DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE (2015 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £380 |
| Power: | 196 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (419 lbs / 190 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIn the 1299 Panigale, Ducati has produced a sublime road-going, twin cylinder superbike. It has monster power and torque but it’s also more user-friendly thanks to extremely clever electronic suspension and rider aids.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe electronic Öhlins suspension is really clever. In Race mode, compression and rebound damping is increased both front and rear, so too is the damping inside the electronic steering damper. In Race mode the 1299 feels like it's on rails; mid-corner, the chassis support and grip is immense. The 1299 gives so much confidence that despite the huge increase in power, it's much easier to ride than the old model.
The subtle ABS, combined with the clutchless, quickshifter gearchange, means all your concentration goes into your braking points and line selection. The brakes are super-strong, and in Sport mode you have the additional cornering ABS which reduces the risk of a low-side and makes braking virtually foolproof.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe power delivery is more linear and there's a 10% hike in both power and torque. The increase in torque comes lower in the revs and is more useable, so whereas before you almost had to wait for the power to kick in like a two-stroke, now it’s much more progressive. In Race mode the power is more aggressive, but it’s still a long way short of the violent smack-in-the-face the old bike was.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe old myth that Ducati's are unreliable just isn't true anymore - they're equally as dependable as their Japanese counterparts nowadays and running costs aren't sky high either.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIt may be expensive but as one of the most desirable bikes produced, the 1299 will hold its value.
Equipment
The 1299 has a taller screen, comfy seat and grippier pegs – proof that Ducati hasn’t ignored the road rider. The electronics package is hugely sophisticated. It features EBD, (Engine Brake Control), DQS (Ducati Quick-Shift), DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control), DTC (Ducati Traction Control) with IMU (Internal Measurement Unit) and cornering ABS.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1285cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v, V-twin |
| Frame type | Monocoque aluminium |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 830mm |
| Bike weight | 190kg |
| Front suspension | Marzocchi 50mm pressurised and fully-adjustable USD forks with hard anodised aluminium lightweight sliders |
| Rear suspension | Fully-adjustable Sachs unit |
| Front brake | 2 x 330mm floating discs with radially-mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers with cornering ABS as standard |
| Rear brake | 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper and cornering ABS as standard |
| Front tyre size | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tyre size | 200/55-17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 35 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £380 |
| New price | £16,695 |
| Used price | £12,700 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 196 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 106.7 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 178 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 10.41 secs |
| Tank range | 120 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2015: Replaced the 1199 Panigale as Ducati's flagship superbike
Other versions
Higher-spec Ducati 1299 Panigale S version is available at £20,795. It features lighter forged wheels plus upgraded electronics and suspension.
Owners' reviews for the DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE (2015 - on)
7 owners have reviewed their DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE (2015 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE (2015 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £380 |
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £500
The bike is great when it works. Great on the road and good on track. Difficult to change fairings and day to day life is interesting, but that's what you expect from a Ducati. Simply not worth the pain or the money. I will never buy a Ducati again.
Middle corner brilliance. Like hitting a wall on the brakes.
Savage!
I bought the 1299 new and it was great for two years. The gear indicator was the only thing that played up but nothing outrageous. 2 years and 3 months later the gear indicator failed, meaning the quick shifter no longer worked. Took it to the dealer who told me I required a new harness and wiring loom. First cost was approx. 3k! The warranty was good for 2 yrs so I was left with the bill and still with over 6 months of finance.
Not sure of the annual cost but much more than my R1.
Excellent, when it works!
Buying experience: Awful!
Version: S
Year: 2015
Expensive bikes lots of issues and poor service from Ducati who don't seem interested in any issues.
Awesome brakes and ride quality but the Ducati is let down by design flaws, potentially dangerous flaws and crap ducati after service. I personally can't trust the bike given I know the chain rubs and people have had snapped chains. How can you trust a bike when in the back of your mind you know the chain could snap causing a ctash etc.
Chain badly rubs the swingarm so much so it hacks chunks out of the swingarm and puts metal filings in the cases, sprocket and chain. Ducati won't even acknowledge as an issue despite numerous forum posts complaining about the issue. Poor of Ducati esp given they do know this issue hence why the newer models have this part of the swingarm machined out. An ex Ducati main dealer mechanic also told me he got rid of his 1299 due to all the issues he had with his. In and out constantly for various electrical gremlins etc. It even set on fire whilst parked at the ducati main dealers where he worked due to electrics shorting out.
Running costs tend to get a bit high when Ducati aren't interested in issues meaning you have to pay in full to get things sorted. Like paying to take off the swingarm, paying to take to a specialist cnc machine shop then faff around putting it back together.
Really good equipment but unfortunately let down by other issues and poor customer service from Ducati.
Buying experience: Ducati after sales is simply shocking.
Version: Anniversario
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £300
Unbelievable...the power and speed are simply breathtaking. The electronic suspension and rider aids are excellent. Plus it has to be the most beautiful bike ever made. It is surprisingly comfortable and can do long trips. However, I have taken the rear foot rests off permanently as it is horrendous for a pillion, but I've got my Sprint GT for taking 'er indoors.
Brakes are eye-popping. I have softened the dynamic suspension, and stiffened up the steering damper a touch, which gives the ride i really like. Plenty of feedback, and goes exactly where I want. It feels lithe and light, and can get a little frisky on bumpy roads, but that is part of the fun! It has lots of power and weighs the same as a tea bag, after all...
You have to experience the acceleration to believe it.. And what a noise, especially with the Akropovic cans. Love it. It is not particularly comfortable trying to do 20 mph through town, but is much better than my old 1199. The Anniversario upgrade gives perfect fuelling. The gearbox is light and positive and the quick shifter works well going up or down the 'box. Warming up the engine completely before riding off avoids burning any oil at all.
Not had a single problem at all, despite a few very wet rides and lots of complex electronics. The attention to detail is impressive, and it all fits together like a swiss watch.
I have only seen a few real Anniversarios for sale (watch out for painted up 1299S bikes). All of them sold for a lot more than I paid (new) for mine. Can't argue with that! It has to have super unleaded and gets through it at a prodigious rate when you are getting a wiggle on.
I can't think of anything it hasn't got! Tyre choice is non-existent, but the Pirellis work very well and suit the bike.
Buying experience: I had to ride 200 miles in the freezing cold in December to get it home, but there again, at least I found one.
Version: S
Year: 2017
High price, high quality, high performance. The best in the track.
Light and small.
205hp and 145nm are not enough?
R1m, rav4 rf, s1000rr, zx10r, gsxr1000r, cbr1000rr sp are amazing bikes but the 1299s has a better quality build.
High price for high quality.
Ready to race.
Version: S
Year: 2016
Every Day is a special day when you get her out of the garage, neighbours love it, as it sets off car alarms going out of street. Have had engineers look at her admiringly, spotting pieces of manufacturing that are "art" to them, it has that effect.
Beautiful, syrupy power delivery, race mode manic
Have a Ducati battery monitor on her, plug in once a week for a day, and no problems. Had the Ducati flat battery to thank for this.
Not reached first service yet, know my dealer will look after me though, great being part of a family.
Everything you would ever need
Buying experience: Through Ducati main dealer - could not be more complimentary to the experience, top staff.
Year: 2015
Excellent bike, you will never regret buying it, art form at its ultimate, the looks are fantastic, the sound is superb, the acceleration is exhilarating
Solid as a rock on the straight and the corner, no fear of stopping on a dime in seconds.
One of the most powerful production bikes around.
Extremely reliable with Excellent build quality, where Art meets Function at its very best.
Technology at its leading edge.
Version: S
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £350
Astounding, torque and power delivery and even comfortable, never mind the sound of the Akropovics
Long distances no problem, with comfort seat option. Slow riding can place a little pressure on wrists. But slight weight transfer to feet alleviates this. Brakes faultless, ABS barely noticeable and no fade under hard riding and braking. Electronic dynamic and static (manual) set up options extensive and easy to use, though link to mobile device would be useful and could be even simpler
Power and torque delivery superb, smooth and variable with engine braking options making a distinct difference along with a slipper clutch you never notice, this really is the bike the 1199 should have been
No problems so far and if 899 was anything to go by over 7000 miles I don't expect any. Quality of finish looks very good. Design and styling, nothing else comes close.
Seem reasonable so far with greater service intervals than many new sports bikes
Comprehensive, love the up and down quickshift and the ability to change a selected setting , traction control, ABS, engine braking and wheelie control, whilst in Race mode. Would be good if you could change quickly between multiple set up options
Buying experience: Bought from Snells of Alton, excellent service everytime.
